Non-Catholic organist?

[ez3714]

Wow…really just…wow.

The thing I love about Aquinas (other than his intercession and sense of humour getting me through college) was the way he dealt with opposing viewpoints. Revisit Summa. Not only would he try to see your point of view, he would craft arguments in your favor that were far stronger than you were capable of creating. Here, people say, “You sure do disagree with the mainstream a lot. Go seek counseling. I don’t think you’re Catholic at all. Thank goodness my parish isn’t as narrow-minded as you.” Aquinas may have said “Wow…really just…wow,” but my Latin isn’t good enough to verify that. I think he did this not out of need for intellectual stimulation, but because he operated out of different motives.

I’m glad the organists became Catholic, but I think that’s the solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. I have yet to hear complaints that the Catholic Church isn’t inclusive enough in their Music Ministry. Communion, and the gender of the Ordained, on the other hand…

If the issue is with the quality of the music, that problem has already been solved. Many fledgling Protestant churches with only a dozen or so members cannot hope to hire good musicians, yet the quality of their music exceeds most of ours. “Instant Music + Vocals In A Box,” just add voltage.

 

[pnewton]

@awn, there is never a problem offering to work, as long as you know the answer could be no. Being non-Catholic would not be the issue though, as much as capability and dependability. If anything, there may be some advantage to having someone for whom the priest did not have to see about providing communion.

I would bet the answer would be based on what it usually is - do you have the best skill set for the job. For example, at the Cathedral, you might not. At my parish, you definitely would. If it is my parish, yes.

 

[tafan2]

If the issue is with the quality of the music, that problem has already been solved. Many fledgling Protestant churches with only a dozen or so members cannot hope to hire good musicians, yet the quality of their music exceeds most of ours. “Instant Music + Vocals In A Box,” just add voltage.

This is certainly true as to music quality. But the answer is not to hire protestant usic directors (again, I have no problem with an organist not being Catholic). Despite the best effort, they do not understand good, traditional Catholic hymns and how to match that to the liturgy. A Marian Feast day, forget Salve Regina or Hail Holy Queen Entrhoned Above. That’s been my experience. And its not just Marian hymns. You say you love Aquinas, well forget about those beautiful hymns he composed also.

 

[ez3714]

well forget about those beautiful hymns he composed also.

Dude, you’re about to make me weep uncontrollably. How many Catholics have never heard these:

Panis Angelicus (Bread of Angels)

Adore te Devote (Humbly I adore thee)

O Salutaris hostia (O saving victim)

Pange Lingua Corperis (Now, my tongue, the mystery telling)

Tantum Ergo Sacramentum (Come Adore)

 

[tafan2]

way too many. I told the story last week. I try to make it to an evening men’s retreat once a month. At the end we always have benediction. There are probably 40 or so men there most times. When O Salutaris Hostia, Tantum Ergo, and Holy God We Praise Thy Name are song, every single man is singing. In latin no less. It will make you weep. But at a Sunday mass I sometimes go to, were there is Mr Guitar man leading some folk type music, these same men are silent. Not because they are trying to make a statement.
Likewise, once a month the local parish catholic school has benediction after their mass. The school’s music director goes to great length to get the kids to sing during mass, to mixed results at best. But when the hymns for benediction are sung, I swear every one of those kids are singing. And this dichotomy seems to go completely unnoticed by the school’s music director.

 

[ez3714]

Some of the posters here might point to that as incontrovertible proof that St. John Paul II can’t have been a true Catholic, after all.

And some might say it’s o-k to ridicule Catholics who disagree. Is the motive to win, or to understand?

 

[TC3033]

It’s probably going to depend parish to parish, but at my wife’s parish the music ministry is the only ministry a non-Catholic can help with.

From my understanding, I doubt it will be an issue.

 

[Minks]

I play the organ–at an amateur level. I’m autodidact and in no way a diplomated organist. I’m not Catholic. Would it be rude or wrong if I offered to play when the ordinary organist isn’t there? (Eg. evening Mass on solemnities that aren’t Sundays, like today.)

Many, many churches would be elated! Of course, there’s usually a curmudgeon in the crowd who’s afraid of being replaced, but just smile and nod a greeting and avoid such party-poopers. Call the priest at that Church and get the inside scoop from him. Good luck to you!